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Algae are a diverse group of simple organisms and have many existing species. These organisms are similar to plants in the way that they go through the process of photosynthesis using sunlight to get food from water and carbon dioxide.
Algae can thrive in multiple surfaces, including your swimming pool. Since black algae is known to be one of the most stubborn types of algae, professional black algae cleaning is an essential part of pool maintenance.
Black algae can enter the swimming pool via airborne spores. Unlike green algae that is greatly similar to plants, black algae is actually a bacteria. Specifically, black algae is known as a cyanobacteria, which is associated with blue-green algae (hence, the “cyan” in the name).
In most cases, black algae isn’t literally black. Because of chlorophyll, black algae is usually blue-green in color, a tinge attributed to chlorophyll.
When mixed with the swimming pool’s water-soluble pigments and chemicals, the bacteria ends up looking black or blackish.
Yes, it can be. The more blue-green the algae is, the more dangerous it could be. Cyanobacteria blooms in natural bodies of water and can be toxic to animals and organisms that live in the water by blocking sunlight and hoarding oxygen and needed nutrients.
Cyanobacteria can also produce cyanotoxins, one of the most powerful natural poisons in the world. And we’re not exaggerating here; cyanotoxins can make you or any animals who get into your pool very sick.
Swimming in pool water infected with black algae can be enough to trigger illness. The probability of getting severely ill increases if you accidentally drink the infected water.
Having black algae in your swimming pool can be very dangerous especially if you have kids.
It’s not uncommon for kids to accidentally drink or swallow pool water while playing in the pool, and if the water is contaminated with black algae bacteria, it may cause nausea and stomach cramps.
As soon as you notice or suspect black algae in your swimming pool, take immediate action and avail the services of professional pool cleaners for thorough black algae cleaning.
We offer black algae cleaning on top of other pool cleaning and maintenance services for Las Vegas pool owners.
In the early stages, black algae can be quite tricky to spot. Basically, it looks like a simple mold, like tiny black dots or big clumps of mold forming in your pool.
If you look more closely at the clumps of “mold” and notice that they look more blue-green than black, you may have black algae in your pool.
Black algae usually grows in plaster, concrete, or gunite pools because they thrive in porous surfaces where they can easily latch to. This bacteria seldom forms on pools with vinyl or fiberglass liners, but it doesn’t mean that you should be complacent when you see blue-green clumps.
Here are other tricks to identify black algae –
If you notice dark streaks on your swimming pool, these are most likely caused by a type of black algae. This type of algae is characterized by a dark pigment and a tough outer capsule. The dark pigment makes it black algae tough enough to thrive in places that are too sunny for other algae to grow.
Black algae can grow and thrive in just about any outdoor surface with enough moisture, even those that are exposed to sunlight.
This type of algae can be very hardy and stubborn, making it difficult to clean and get rid of. If left untreated, black algae can stain your pool surface with an unsightly dark color.
Even if you’re vigilant about keeping your pool water clean, balanced, and filtered, black algae may still find its way into your pool.
Keep in mind that black algae can infiltrate or enter your swimming pool from external natural water sources.
DIY black algae cleaning typically involves using a stiff brush to scrub the algae off the walls and floor of the pool, as well as adding algaecide and other chemicals to the water to kill the remaining algae. While this method can be effective, it can also be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Hiring professional pool cleaners to get rid of black algae is often a better option as they have experience, knowledge and equipment. They can quickly and effectively remove the algae without causing damage to the pool’s surface or other components.
In addition, professional cleaners can also test and adjust the chemical levels in your pool to ensure that the water is safe to swim in. They can also advise you on the best steps to take to prevent black algae from returning in the future.
Overall, DIY black algae cleaning can be effective, but hiring professional pool cleaners is often a better option for homeowners who want to ensure that their pool is properly cleaned and maintained without spending a lot of time and effort.
There are several steps you can take to prevent black algae from invading your pool:
1. Keep your pool clean: Regularly skimming and vacuuming the pool can help remove debris and organic matter that can provide a food source for algae.
2. Balance your water chemistry: Properly balancing the pH, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels in your pool can help prevent algae growth.
3. Use a pool cover: A pool cover can help prevent dirt, debris and other contaminants from entering the pool and providing a food source for algae.
4. Shock your pool: Regularly shocking your pool can help kill any algae spores that may be present in the water.
5. Use algaecides: Algaecides can help prevent and control algae growth in your pool.
6. Circulation and filtration: Make sure your pool’s circulation and filtration system is working properly and that the water is being circulated and filtered often enough.
7. Inspecting the pool regularly: Regular pool inspection, especially in the corners, steps, and walls, can help you detect the presence of algae early on, and take measures to remove it before it gets worse.
It’s important to note that black algae are hard to get rid of once they have established themselves in the pool, preventing them is much more effective than trying to eliminate them later on.
Having your pool infested with green algae is already bad enough (even though it’s pretty easy to address).
If you discover black algae growth in your swimming pool, that’s a whole other story. Not only is black algae unsightly and unsafe, it’s also very difficult to get rid of by yourself.
When dealing with black algae, it’s highly recommended to seek the expertise of professional pool cleaners. Bryte Pool offers black algae cleaning for swimming pools in Las Vegas and nearby communities.
